Reflections, Growth, and What Comes Next: IMSA Seniors Look Back

As the school year comes to a close, IMSA seniors are reflecting on a year defined by college applications, personal growth, and preparing for what comes next. While each student’s experience was different, their stories share common themes of challenge, resilience, and self-discovery. From managing deadlines to finding their place at IMSA, these seniors offer insight into what the journey has really been like.

Svar Pandya:

The college application process was honestly rough to manage alongside my classes, but looking back, it was very rewarding. There were definitely moments when the deadlines piled up, and it felt overwhelming to keep switching between schoolwork and essays. Still, I am proud that I was able to stay organized and keep up with both. One of the things I am happiest about is how I balanced my time between writing strong essays and studying for tests. That balance did not come easily at first, but over time, I built better habits and learned how to plan ahead.

Reflecting on my last year at IMSA, I have realized how much I have grown, not just academically but also in how I handle pressure and long-term responsibilities. IMSA pushed me to manage my time more intentionally and to take ownership of my goals. I also appreciated being involved in leadership roles and activities that mattered to me, such as LEAD, Math Team, and IMSA.AI, because they gave me a sense of purpose during such a busy year.

Looking ahead, I am excited for the next chapter and the new opportunities that college will bring. I am especially looking forward to continuing to challenge myself academically while also exploring new interests and communities. At the same time, I know the lessons I learned this year about balance, discipline, and resilience will stay with me long after the application season is over.

Aydin Syed:

My college application process was pretty traditional overall. I went into senior year thinking I would major in chemistry everywhere, but after talking with my CAC, I realized kinesiology was also a strong fit for my interests. That conversation really shifted my perspective, and I ended up applying to many schools with kinesiology in mind. The process itself was manageable, but curating the right essays took much more time and mental energy than I expected. Trying to make each one feel personal and polished was definitely the most demanding part.

Looking back on my last year at IMSA, I can honestly say I learned a lot about myself. There was a point after sophomore year when I seriously considered leaving, but over time, I grew into the environment. I became more comfortable reaching out to teachers, asking for help, and collaborating with classmates instead of trying to handle everything on my own. Sophomore Aydin would probably be surprised that senior Aydin does not regret the decision to stay at IMSA. That shift in mindset feels like one of the biggest signs of growth for me.

At the same time, I am excited for what comes next. I am looking forward to branching out in college, meeting new people, and exploring opportunities that push me in new directions. I am especially hopeful about getting back to playing baseball, assuming my ACL holds up and I stay healthy. Overall, IMSA challenged me in ways I did not always appreciate in the moment, but it definitely prepared me for this next chapter.

Deen Kareem:

College is expensive, so I was very intentional about where I applied. I focused on schools where I thought I would have the strongest chance at receiving merit scholarships. Because of that, I ended up applying to a wide range of schools to maximize my opportunities and keep my options open. The process required a lot of research and planning, but it helped me think more realistically about fit, cost, and long-term goals.

Looking back at my time at IMSA, I can clearly see how much I have grown. One of the biggest things I learned was how to build friendships and step into leadership roles on a completely new campus filled with opportunities. At first, the environment felt overwhelming, but over time, I became more confident putting myself out there and getting involved.

IMSA also taught me how to advocate for myself, adapt to challenging situations, and ask for help when I needed it. In this environment, teachers do not always chase you down, so I had to take initiative and be responsible for my own success. Those skills pushed me out of my comfort zone, but they are the habits I am most excited to carry with me into college and beyond.

Helen Shao:

Seriously, I do not care what anyone else says; the hardest part of the college app process is starting your essays and brainstorming ideas. Others may say the actual writing process, but I am someone who enjoys writing, so the ideation process was definitely the hardest part for me. I remember thinking I would start early by making my Common App account in January so that I would not fall behind, but I still ended up procrastinating so much that I had five days to write my personal statement for UIUC. Definitely use the summer to write and finish the activities and grades sections.

I also have a lot of advice for underclassmen. I encourage anyone to branch out of their friend group. It can feel intimidating to start conversations with people you do not know well, but it is worth it. I would also avoid unnecessary drama because it is not worth hurting people’s feelings. Be authentic and say what you actually think, but do it in a way that respects others. If you find yourself in a position where you might want to start a relationship, go for it. Just make sure you are being genuine and that your actions match what you say.

My experience at IMSA was not always smooth. I made mistakes, and while I could have made better decisions at times, I would not go back and change them. Those mistakes helped me grow and understand what the right choices look like. The important thing is to actually learn from those experiences.

Sai Ganbote:

The hardest part of the college application process for me was staying motivated while being surrounded by so much competition. It was easy to feel discouraged at times, especially when it seemed like everyone else was moving faster or achieving more. In the end, I realized that going at my own pace was what mattered most. Even though I did not commit early, I still got into many of my top choices.

My advice for underclassmen is to research colleges thoroughly. It helps not only when choosing where to apply, but also when writing supplements later on. It is also important to think about applying early and to have honest conversations with your family about cost before submitting applications. Prestige is not everything, especially for students on the pre-med path, where there are many years of education ahead.

At IMSA, it is difficult not to compare yourself to others, but everyone has a unique story. The key is learning how to present your own experiences in a meaningful way. That perspective helped me stay grounded throughout the process.

Although the college application process brought stress and uncertainty, it also gave these seniors a chance to reflect on how far they have come. Their experiences at IMSA pushed them to grow academically and personally, teaching them how to manage time, handle pressure, and take initiative. As they prepare to move forward, they carry with them not just their accomplishments but also the lessons that will guide them through the next stage of their lives.